Comment on 'unpausing' of TransPennine electrification

“I’m not surprised that central government has once again changed its position on TransPennine electrification. Clearly, the impact of pressure from across the north has made the government act.

“Yet this 'temporary' pause has led to a very real, permanent delay. With work originally due to be completed by 2019, the delay to 2022 gives passengers three more years of a slow and overcrowded service. We know that 13% of people have to stand on the TransPennine Express each morning, meaning workers and residents in Leeds are having to pay a first-class price for a second-class service. Clearly passengers won’t want to accept any further delays to this project.

“People in the north deserve a fairer share of the transport funds available nationally and we will continue to make the case for more investment and more freedom to secure a better deal for our region. We need to see more happening, and at a far greater pace, for the Northern Powerhouse vision to become a reality.”